Day 12

Ah, Friday at the office. Today was a strange day. My supervisor left to go to a conference so I was working with another guy. According to him, today was the craziest day since he started. So what did I do? Well, he gave me this list of 70 items and told me to classify them into categories and subcategories and such. The problem was that I had no idea what I was doing. But that's all part of the learning curve, I guess.

A couple of funny things happened. The restroom is located in the lobby area on our floor so we need a key to use it. Well, I was the primary suspect when one of the keys came up missing. What is that? Just because I'm new doesn't mean I'm a key thief. Then, later in the afternoon I noticed several coworkers looking out of an office window. I watched to see what they were up to and kind of perked my ears up. They were looking at a mysterious shadow flitting across a neighboring building and speculating what could be causing the shadow. The conclusion: a giant kite. Really? It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a...giant kite? That should give you a good idea of the environment of the office - relaxed and very amusing.

Since everyone was busy writing week-end reports, there wasn't a whole lot for me to do since it takes time for them to teach me. I spent part of the day reading articles on Morningstar and looking up things I didn't understand, which was helpful. And I also spent time reading the Wall Street Journal. I was required to read it for some college courses and at the time it was no picnic. But now, I can't believe I'm saying this, I actually crave it. I suppose it's like coffee - it's an acquired taste.

Happy 1: Because there was not much for me to do and everyone was busy, I got off work an hour early. This was especially nice because I beat the evening rush. And fit in an afternoon nap.
Happy 2: People really surprise me. On the streets, on the train, and in the office, there is genuine kindness. For instance, every morning on my way to work I pass about ten people passing out flyers and coupons. I don't want the stuff so I just smile and say 'good morning.' It feels rude to walk by them like they don't exist; they're just doing their job. And the people return the smile and the greeting. Another example happened on the 'L.' The older gentleman I was seated next to told me to take care. People are nice, we just don't give them a chance to show it.
Crappy: I have no weekend plans. My homework is done. My 'to do' list is dwindling. There are many things to do, since it is Chicago, I just need to pick one. Or lounging around is good, too.